Julia’s First Day of Kindergarten gets an A+

I was so worried that Julia would be scared starting Kindergarten in a new school, in a new language — all without her best friend. But as usual, my worries were wasted. Julia was thrilled and loved it all.

You see… Janice’s 8 year old Jackson goes to a French Immersion school a 10 minute drive away from our neighborhood and she convinced me that I had to also give Julia the gift of a second language.

(Mostly I think Janice wanted the gift of carpooling, but nonetheless I couldn’t argue the educational benefits and signed Julia up for the same school.)

But the major drawback was that Julia would have to go to school without her neighborhood friends — most significantly her best friend for the last 4 years.

So as a mother does, I worried.

But when the first day came, and the second, and the third, there was only excitement.

Julia loves her new school and when she came running into my arms after her first “real” day in Kindergarten, I asked if she had fun and while she hugged me like crazy she shouted, “Oui, oui, oui!”

I think one of my favorite things about this time of year is watching how adaptable and resilient and strong our kids really are. Here they are, faced with fresh challenges each day in school, and they come home to tell us all about it. (Also, I rather like the quiet time during the day, while they are out building their adaptability, resilience, and strength.

I definately understand your worry … a new school and in a different language! As 1st grade and pre-pre school has just started for us, I have been thinking about the seperation anxiety issue of the past and how different it is now that they as individuals are “ready” to be away from mom for a short while. Although I am glad to not have all of the tears and anxiety, I am also sad for what is to come … when they don’t want us around :-(. I guess the good thing is that they likely will want us again when they are in their 20’s.

congrats to you and Julia! My son starts preschool next week, and so far there is nothing but positive anticipation, but like you I can’t help but worry… thanks for reminding me that he’ll probably be just fine!

Oh gosh, that’s so fabulous it gave me chills! What a wonderful gift you’ve given her of a second language as well as the confidence to pursue it. I’m so glad she’s having a good year. Gorgeous pictures as usual. Such beauties you and your daughter.

My experience is that children are not as fearful as there parents when it comes to going to school for the first time, children adapt better than we the parents do! Here’s to a wonderful school year for Julia!